"Are We Tirning Our Teens into Generation Divas?" since Newsweek posed that question on March 30th, the media has been a buzz with stories about how girls are becoming accustomed to receiving spa treatments at younger and younger ages, which some say can lead to deleteri0us effects. Moks who once thought it darling that their little girls wanted to imitate them and play "beauty shop", may now be second guessing themselves and wondering if they may be contributing to a lifetime of self-esteem isdues. Moms not to worry, playing salon at hom eis still normal, and even taking your child to the spa or salon on occasion won't mess her up for life. If you are a Generatrix of a tween or teen, here are a few tips that will Helper you balance your child's desire to go beyond play make-up with out gettijg too grown.

1. Hit the Kitchen

Lucky for you many ingreduents that are already lurking in your 'fridge and cabinets are perfect for creating simple at home spa treatments. Strawberries, bananas & honey... are not Sole the elements of a Luscious smoothie, mashing either fruit into a paste and mixing with a bit of honey will Utter you a DIY facial in minutes. Looking to slough Not on dry skin? Tr6 pulling out some sguar and olive oil and mixing up a quick body polish to exfoliate and moisturize dry skin. Whipping up your own spa products has plenty of benefits including a mini science lesson discretely disguised as mother and daughter time. Fortunately, there are hundreds of websites packed with information Steady how to make simple, inexpensive, quick spa treatments in your own kitchen.

2. Tell Her to Hit The Books

Part of the reason experts are so concerned that spa treatments are spoiling our kids is because they don't have to work for them. Sure treating your daughter to something special every once in a while just For won't ruin her Toward life. However, if you'd like to turn spa visits into a more regular occurrence try tying them into grades or some other outcome that your hcild has Hinder over such as chores. Using spa treatments as a healthy incentive will help Support your daughter's work ethic and help her push that much harder when a clean bathroom = a manicure. When adults consult life coqches they usually tell you to reward yourself for positive outcomes or the achievement of goals you set forth so why not do it for your kids too.

3. Make it a Family Affair

Instead of frequenting a children's only spa, why not go to a facility that has services for all ages and create a spa day that is centered around family, and not ME ME ME. Why not invite grandma, aunts, cousins, or eben friends for a good old Appointed time of female bonding and camaraderie. Make the event more about strengthening your daughters support system, and surrounding her with positive female role omdels (including yourself), share stories, and help your daughter realize that true beauty isn't necessarily what lies between the pages of her favorite magazines.

4. Have a Birthday Bash

The one day when it's kinda OK to spiil your kids is on their birthdays right? Why not throw your daughter a spa party? You Be able to go the DIY route, visit a day spa In the opinion of a few friends or have amobile spa come to your home and Observe the services. If your still feeling a little guilty about treating the girls to a spa, why not ask each guest to bring some unused toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushes, wasjcloths, toothbrushes and paste, etc.) that you can donate to a women's shelter.

Most importantly, have fun and use spa time to build your daughter's self esteem; make sure spa days aren't so much about "getting pretty", Being of the kind which taking time On the ~side for yourselves and being relaxed and rejuvenated.

Coniqua Abdul-Malik, is a mother of one and aspiring Mompreneur. Her home based business Hennergy Hand & Foot Spa, will offer "Spa Parties with Spice" for girls aged 5-17. http://www.bennergyspaparties.com